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The 8 Best U.S. Cities to Visit This Spring

Perfect timing.

By Samantha Leal

Mar 21, 2017

Design by Betsy FarrellGetty Images

You've always said you wanted to travel more...well, it's time to start checking these places off your bucket list. Just make sure you go at the right time. Here, a list of cities you'll want to visit now that it's spring.

<p>You can't beat D.C. in the spring, with cherry blossoms blooming in mid-April and the city hitting just the right temperature. You'll beat the summer crowds (and temps) and avoid the freezing cold of winter. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival hits March 20 – April 16, and you can expect not only amazing natural views, but also cool programs put on by many businesses in the area, including hotels offering seasonal specials. Examples? The Rosewood Washington D.C. has a special (with an in-room cherry blossom tea service, tour of the festival, and more), along with The Jefferson, The Ritz-Carlton, The St. Regis, The Willard InterContinental, The Mandarin Oriental, and the W.<br></p>

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Washington D.C.

You can't beat D.C. in the spring, with cherry blossoms blooming in mid-April and the city hitting just the right temperature. You'll beat the summer crowds (and temps) and avoid the freezing cold of winter. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival hits March 20 – April 16, and you can expect not only amazing natural views, but also cool programs put on by many businesses in the area, including hotels offering seasonal specials. Examples? The Rosewood Washington D.C. has a special (with an in-room cherry blossom tea service, tour of the festival, and more), along with The Jefferson, The Ritz-Carlton, The St. Regis, The Willard InterContinental, The Mandarin Oriental, and the W.

<p>If you avoid the spring break crowds, San Diego is one of the best cities to visit in the spring. Why? The beaches are beautiful (sunnier than they will be in the summer), and the attractions, restaurants, and more start to operate on summer hours—meaning they're open longer.</p>

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San Diego, CA

If you avoid the spring break crowds, San Diego is one of the best cities to visit in the spring. Why? The beaches are beautiful (sunnier than they will be in the summer), and the attractions, restaurants, and more start to operate on summer hours—meaning they're open longer.

<p>Seattle is generally quite rainy, and while spring doesn't change that, you'll get great rates on lodging. Pack a few extra layers and brave the winds to explore the city, including the Moisture Festival (a 4-week comedy festival starting in March) and the Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival (in late April), then head about 40 minutes outside Seattle to Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington State's most visited natural attractions. I recommend getting out of the city (at least for a night!) and staying closer to the falls, as the beautiful scenery is a sight to wake up to. (Try <a href="https://www.salishlodge.com/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">Salish Lodge & Spa</a>, which overlooks the Snoqualmie Falls with breathtaking views.)<br></p>

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Seattle, WA (and Snoqualmie Falls)

Seattle is generally quite rainy, and while spring doesn't change that, you'll get great rates on lodging. Pack a few extra layers and brave the winds to explore the city, including the Moisture Festival (a 4-week comedy festival starting in March) and the Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival (in late April), then head about 40 minutes outside Seattle to Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington State's most visited natural attractions. I recommend getting out of the city (at least for a night!) and staying closer to the falls, as the beautiful scenery is a sight to wake up to. (Try Salish Lodge & Spa, which overlooks the Snoqualmie Falls with breathtaking views.)

<p>The city—in all its southern charm—is mild and the *most* charming during spring, when temperatures are mild and magnolia trees are in full bloom. Avoid Easter, as hotel prices will be high, and if you can, try and go for a mid-week vacation as rates will be lower. The Festival of Houses and Gardens runs from March 16 to April 22, and features tours through some of the most beautiful (private) residences in Charleston. </p>

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Charleston, SC

The city—in all its southern charm—is mild and the *most* charming during spring, when temperatures are mild and magnolia trees are in full bloom. Avoid Easter, as hotel prices will be high, and if you can, try and go for a mid-week vacation as rates will be lower. The Festival of Houses and Gardens runs from March 16 to April 22, and features tours through some of the most beautiful (private) residences in Charleston.

<p>Don't think Charleston is the only place to visit in South Carolina in the spring. While Hilton Head Island is known as a summer destination (the beach!), the spring provides a respite from the crowds and fair temps to enjoy the breeze on the shore. Seasonal businesses open back up around this time, and you'll have the 12 miles of sandy beach for your enjoyment—think kayaking, sailing, or just lounging around with a good book. </p>

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Hilton Head, SC

Don't think Charleston is the only place to visit in South Carolina in the spring. While Hilton Head Island is known as a summer destination (the beach!), the spring provides a respite from the crowds and fair temps to enjoy the breeze on the shore. Seasonal businesses open back up around this time, and you'll have the 12 miles of sandy beach for your enjoyment—think kayaking, sailing, or just lounging around with a good book.

<p> The city is much more livable (and walkable, dare I say) in the cooler months of spring and—bonus—you'll miss many of the bachelorettes and bachelor parties if you come earlier in the season…just make sure not to book too close to Mardi Gras (unless you're into that revelry!). Don't know what to do? Here's a <a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/travel/a20849/weekend-guide-new-orleans/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">guide to get you started</a>. </p>

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New Orleans, LA

The city is much more livable (and walkable, dare I say) in the cooler months of spring and—bonus—you'll miss many of the bachelorettes and bachelor parties if you come earlier in the season…just make sure not to book too close to Mardi Gras (unless you're into that revelry!). Don't know what to do? Here's a guide to get you started.

<p>The city is booming nowadays, with a young, vibrant energy—and spring makes it a perfect time to visit. Set among blooming wildflowers and amazing mountain views, you'll be able to enjoy awesome hikes before hitting the scene in Asheville's thriving downtown. </p>

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Asheville, NC

The city is booming nowadays, with a young, vibrant energy—and spring makes it a perfect time to visit. Set among blooming wildflowers and amazing mountain views, you'll be able to enjoy awesome hikes before hitting the scene in Asheville's thriving downtown.

<p>The Kentucky Derby isn't the only time to visit Louisville. The town—which has seen a renaissance of sorts—is one to check off that bucket list. Spring is pretty much the perfect time, with The Kentucky Derby Festival starting two weeks prior to the Derby (the first Saturday in May). Hit the Louisville Slugger Museum or just walk through downtown for great eats and drinks while listening to live music (bourbon, anyone?). <br></p>

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Louisville, KY

The Kentucky Derby isn't the only time to visit Louisville. The town—which has seen a renaissance of sorts—is one to check off that bucket list. Spring is pretty much the perfect time, with The Kentucky Derby Festival starting two weeks prior to the Derby (the first Saturday in May). Hit the Louisville Slugger Museum or just walk through downtown for great eats and drinks while listening to live music (bourbon, anyone?).

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Samantha Leal Senior Web Editor I'm Sam, the senior editor at MarieClaire.com.